Finding Wisdom in the Bible

Two Bible Characters Share Their Wisdom
from Torrey H. Brinkley

All of us need a little wisdom at one time or another. Personal circumstances get difficult, and we wonder where to turn for answers.
We see problems worldwide, and wonder who is in control of this planet.
There are groups of people who seem intent on destroying each other, and we ask ourselves how long this will continue.

One solid helpful place to turn is to the Bible, which has provided answers for humankind for thousands of years.


Some interesting wisdom writings, which are always valuable: Job and James (why not mix an Old Testament book with a New Testament epistle?). Try reading thru these 2 books from start to finish.

Job is one of the oldest books in the Bible, whose name appears as early as 2000 B.C. Some conservative Bible scholars place this writing during Solomon's time (c. 950 B.C).
It is unusual in many ways, in that all the key elements in life's drama are interacting:
--God with his servant Job;
--Satan accusing/tempting God;
--Job's friends pretending to share their "human wisdom or insights"
--Job questioning God, and then receiving the Lord's "big picture" answer.

a) Don't miss the setting of the story as found in Chapter 1 & 2. It shows how even God-fearing people will be put to the test in this life.
...See 1: 8 in contrast with 1: 10-12 to lay out the plot
...Can you reply like Job did in response to loss/tragedy 1:21-22, as well as 2: 9-10?

b) All of Job's friends come with their insights, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, starting with chap. 4. Always note who is doing the talking, as not all the "bright ideas" in this book are from God (many are just men's silly perceptions).

c) It might be helpful if you would make some columns, and list:
++ideas truly from the Lord.
++good thoughts that are manmade, but not universally true.
++dumb ideas that don't match up with the rest of Scripture, & which could lead one astray.
((Note: in life, we all will face messages which fit one of these 3 categories.))

d) Make sure you read all the way to the end of the book.
#What lesson do you get from the Lord's speech to Job & his friends in Chaps. 38-41.
#Why is Job's reply to God so brief in 42: 1-6?

#How did the Lord reward Job for all his pain, suffering & loss (42:10-17)?

#And what did God demand from Job's friends in 42: 7-9?


James comes to us in the New Testament, as one of the earliest books written (maybe 48 B.C.).
--It was penned by the brother of Jesus, a leader of the church in Jerusalem, and designed for Christians everywhere.
--Yet, how odd that Martin Luther considered it too "works-oriented" to be included in N.T. Scripture.
-As a study tool, you might list the major themes, in order, and then jot down the key thought you learn from each section:

** temptations, 1:2-18

**hearing vs. doing, 1:19-27

**favoritism, 2:1-13

**faith vs. works, 2:14-25

**taming the tongue, 3: 1-12

**godly wisdom, 3:1318

**submission, 4:1-12

**perils of wealth, 5:1-6

**suffering, 5: 7-12

**and prayer. 5:13-20

What key verses did you like from the study of the great little book?

Hope you enjoy the study and gain some wisdom for your circumstance.

---Torrey Brinkley